Official website of the Essendon District Football League

Two EDFL Juniors Taken In AFL Drafts

2019 AFL Draft Wrap


EDFL junior products Lachie Johnson and Josh Honey both have new homes in the AFL.

Johnson, the son of former Avondale Heights coach, Jacana premiership player and Brisbane Lions great, Chris, was the only EDFL junior taken in the National Draft, with Essendon snapping up the 18-year-old small forward at Pick 63.

Johnson started his football journey in Jacana’s Under 10 side in 2009 before spending the next three seasons with Avondale Heights.

He then moved to Strathmore, playing 60 games in blue and gold before graduating to the Calder Cannons.

Johnson is now the fifth EDFL junior holding a spot on Essendon’s list, joining Joe Daniher (Aberfeldie), Jayden Laverde (Keilor), Shaun McKernan (Tullamarine) and Adam Saad (West Coburg).

Meanwhile, Keilor junior Josh Honey was the third player taken in Friday’s Rookie Draft, joining Carlton.

The 18-year-old forward/midfielder impressed for the Western Jets and Vic Metro earlier this year and is now the only EDFL junior on Carlton’s men’s list.

Honey enjoyed an impressive junior career at Joe Brown Oval, regularly booting multiple goals per game in Keilor’s Division 1 sides before playing 18 games for the Western Jets in 2018.

Click here to see our updated list of EDFL Juniors currently on AFL & AFLW lists.

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